Yeshiva students

The long way home: Free after decade in Iraqi prison, Benjamin Hassin begins new life in Jerusalem

DIASPORA AFFAIRS: Just over a month ago, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, Benjamin Hassin landed on Israeli soil for the first time in 12 years.

Benjamin Hassin overlooks the Western Wall, just weeks after returning to Israel following more than 11 years in Iraqi prisons, including nearly five years under a death sentence.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men block a road and clash with police during a protest against the jailing of yeshiva students who failed to comply with Israeli military draft orders, in Jerusalem, August 2, 2026.

Israel Police says 143 draft evaders were released as IDF failed to meet detention deadlines

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion addresses Torah MiTzion’s 30th-anniversary celebration at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem on October 13, 2026

Torah MiTzion marks 30 years of strengthening ties between Israel, Diaspora Jewry

Argentina's President Javier Milei attends a meeting of the Shield of the Americas on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, September 22, 2026.

Argentine President Javier Milei dances with yeshiva students after receiving Lover of Israel prize


War in Israel leads to unexpected increase in enrollment at American yeshivas

Most yeshiva students who went home during the early stages of the war returned in December and January to help support Israel and continue their learning. 

 Jerusalem Day at the Kotel

'Throw them in the toilet': Yitzhak Yosef urges students to 'tear up' draft orders

"What do we have without our Torah? Why did we come here—to become secular? If a draft notice arrives, tear it up. Do you have a toilet at home? Flush it down,” Yosef said.

 Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef during a shaharit prayer in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat, September 17, 2024.

New York: The Hilula of Rabbi Chaim Pinto “The Younger” at the Yeshiva of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto


Rabbi Pinto: Most problems arise because people don’t know how to make decisions


Be careful what you wish for: The haredi draft is a societal challenge the IDF can solve - opinion

Let's honor every IDF soldier, regardless of community or gender, for the holy work they continue to do every day on behalf of Israel, the Jewish people, and the entire free world.

 IDF SOLDIERS pray during a break in a haredi unit’s training exercise. If haredi parents and rabbinic leaders could be assured that their sons would complete their service as they entered – as observant, ultra-Orthodox Jews – there would be more grassroots support, the writer maintains.

Haredi daycare bill: What is it and why should we care? - explainer

The general idea is that the state provides subsidized daycare for parents who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

 An illustrative image of haredi residents of Jerusalem's Ramat Eshkol neighborhood.

‘I’m an American, but I’m also Jewish’: How Orthodox women in college are voting for president

Many Jewish women in the United States, including some who are Modern Orthodox, have taken up reproductive rights as a key issue, with some suing their home states on religious grounds.

 Students pray after listening to Sapir Cohen, a freed Israeli hostage, speak during an Evening of Unity event at Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women on August 27, 2024 in New York City.

Likud's Dan Illouz digs in on haredi draft, defying Netanyahu

PM Netanyahu reportedly criticized Illouz for voicing his opposition to the gov's new initiative to incentivize haredim not to enlist in the IDF.

 Dan Illouz, former Jerusalem City Council Member

Golknopf agrees to drop IDF draft bill in exchange for approval of daycare subsidie

The haredi parties are willing to suffice with a bill that will enable this subsidy to continue as opposed to a complete IDF draft bill, according to the report.

 Haredi men dressed in traditional ultra-Orthodox garb stand behind a group of religious IDF soldiers

Gov't doing 'everything' to extend yeshiva students exemption from IDF service, Deri says

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri emphasized efforts to extend IDF service exemptions for yeshiva students, citing Torah study's importance amid military needs.

Shas chairman Arye Deri.